Creed

Creed Aventus Vs Green Irish Tweed Cologne Comparison

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I have already reviewed a bunch of the men’s fragrances by Creed on this site including both Aventus and Green Irish Tweed. Now, I want to do a bit of comparison between the two colognes to see which one is better.

So, I want to present my opinions on each of these colognes in this post and weigh as to which one is the better bet and why I think that.

Quick Overview

Creed Aventus is the overall winner because it has the more versatile and broadly appealing scent once the opening settles. It begins with a sharp blend of pineapple, black currant, dry birch, and lighter touches of citrus and apple, before becoming smoother, woodier, and better balanced.

Green Irish Tweed has the more tolerable opening, combining violet leaf, lemon verbena, mossy earthiness, sandalwood, iris, and ambergris. Its greener and more mature character works especially well in spring, though it is less suited to dates, parties, and younger wearers.

Both fragrances offer strong projection and roughly 7–10 hours of longevity. Aventus projects slightly more strongly and works across a wider range of seasons and occasions, making it the better choice for most men.

For cheaper ‘inspired by’ alternatives to each you can also try: Vert Gentilhomme and Poseidon’s Elixir  by The Dua Brand.

Category Creed Aventus Green Irish Tweed Winner
Opening Opens sharply with pineapple, black currant, dry birch, and lighter touches of apple and citrus. The first 15 minutes can feel harsh and overly intense. Starts mossy and earthy with violet leaf, lemon verbena, and green aromatic notes. It is not especially exciting, but feels less pungent than Aventus. Green Irish Tweed
Projection Strong projection that can become loud with more than a couple of sprays. It has the slightly larger and more noticeable scent trail. Also projects firmly within the strong range, though it is slightly less forceful than Aventus. Creed Aventus
Longevity Usually lasts around 7–10 hours across different climates, with heat and humidity pushing it toward the lower end. Also delivers roughly 7–10 hours of wear and remains resilient even in warmer conditions. Push
Versatility Works during spring, early summer, mild summer days, and even winter. It can handle casual wear, dates, parties, and more sophisticated occasions. Best suited to spring and has a more mature character. It works well for everyday or refined wear, but feels less natural for dates and parties. Creed Aventus
Overall Scent Becomes much better after the opening, with pineapple, birch, oakmoss, ambergris, vanilla, and softer citrus creating a balanced woody-masculine scent. A green, earthy, citrus-tinged fragrance built around violet leaf, lemon verbena, iris, sandalwood, and ambergris. Pleasant, but more style-specific. Creed Aventus

Tale of the Tape: Green Irish Tweed vs Aventus

Green Irish Tweed (GIT)

Notes include: violet leaf, sandalwood, iris, ambergris, lemon verbena 

Click here to try: Creed Green Irish Tweed Eau de Parfum 3.4 Oz/100 ml New In Box

Read my original Review: Green Irish Tweed

Aventus

Click here to try: Creed Aventus for Men Eau De Parfum Spray, 4.0 Ounce

Notes of Creed Aventus: 

Top: Blackcurrant,Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla.

Read my original Review: Aventus Review

Opening

Now, as I’ve stated in my original reviews (Aventus and GIT), I’m not really a fan of either cologne’s opening scent. To me, the opening 15 minutes or so of Aventus is akin to a dulled down version of Lemon Pinesol. Meanwhile, GIT has a pretty earthy and mossy type of opening which doesn’t really wow me either.

Aventus kicks off with a sharp mix of pineapple and black currant. It’s pretty darn harsh to my nose, quite dry with the super dry birch note coming through. The citrus and apple notes, aren’t too prevalent but you can pick them up.

While, I don’t like this opening act of Aventus, I do enjoy it once it settles down. The birch strengthens, with oak moss, and the intensity of the fruity notes fade. This makes it much more balanced and tolerable to me. 

Green Irish Tweed, is pretty mossy and earthy in the beginning, to my nose. I get plenty of violet leaf, lemon verbena, and other assorted notes giving it that flair. I don’t particularly enjoy the opening, but like Aventus, it gets much better.

I enjoy GIT more, once it takes more of a turn toward the citrus, but this follows that earthy violet leaf start. 

If I had to choose the better opening from two which I’m not fond of, I’d give the nod to GIT. It doesn’t blow me away but it isn’t as pungent and intense as the opening of Aventus. So, during this initial stage it is a better fragrance.

Edge: GIT

Longevity

Both of these fragrances are very good in terms of how long each of them lasts.  There really is no edge here as both of them have about the same wear time of somewhere in the 7-10 hour range in most cases.

I’ve worn each many times, in a variety of climates, and I always get them to fall in this same range. Yes, heat and humidity, can diminish the results more toward 7 hours. Though, they are very resilient compared to a lot of other men’s fragrances, in such scenarios. 

Edge: Push

 

Projection

Just as both of these fragrances have good longevity, they also project very well too. I would say that Aventus is the stronger of the two in this regard, as I usually won’t apply more than the equivalent of two sprays, after that I think it just becomes too loud.

Neither of them, has an absolutely massive sillage, compared to others on the market. However, I view each as being firmly in the strong category. 

Edge: Slight Aventus

Versatility

I view GIT as more of a spring scent and Aventus as a spring/early summer scent. However, Aventus could be used well during the winter and in the summer as well, if it is not too hot.

Also, I think Aventus has more uses in terms of the occasion than does Green Irish Tweed. GIT doesn’t feel like a date night cologne to me or one that I’d one to wear out to a party or something.

Whereas, I think Aventus can pull both of these situations off. Aventus seems sophisticated but not necessarily something a younger guy couldn’t wear and GIT comes off as more mature in its use.

Edge: Aventus

Overall Scent

I like GIT but I’ve never been blown away by it. I understand why some people swear by it but it really isn’t my style and I feel like that’d also be the case for many other guys.

While the opening of Aventus has never sat right with me, once it settles down it does become a really great scent that is quite woodsy and masculine with the undertones of citrus, instead of its initial overwhelming citrus notes.

I really like the woodsy tones of Aventus, once separated from the fruit, and when paried with the ambergris and vanilla. Both add a touch of sweetness, without the tart feeling of pineapple and black currant in conjunction.

Pineapple, birch, and oak moss are still the strongest in the end, however. Though, have a much more balanced scent than before. 

Updating this page: Creed has since release Absolu Aventus and Aventus Cologne, if you want different takes on this original style.

Again, this is all subjective to my personal tastes and experiences. But, I simply think that Aventus is the better choice between the two, for most guys. Even if, there have been a ton of Creed Aventus alternatives hitting the market the past however many years.

Winner: Aventus

Creed Aventus vs Virgin Island Water Comparison

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In this edition of the cologne comparisons, I’m going to take a closer look at two Creed scents, that I’ve already reviewed on the site: Aventus and Virgin Island Water. How does VIW stand up against the ever popular, Creed Aventus? Which of these scents smells better? Gives better performance? Please continue below for my full take.

Quick Overview

Creed Aventus is the better fragrance overall. Virgin Island Water has the more enjoyable opening, with lime, bergamot, rum, and coconut creating a great tropical beach scent. But Aventus performs better, lasts longer, projects more, and is much more versatile

 

Category Creed Aventus Creed Virgin Island Water Winner
Opening Opens harsh at first, with a citrus-cleaner type impression, before the bergamot, fruit, and woods improve quickly. Opens with lime, bergamot, coconut, and rum. Juicier, boozier, tropical, and more immediately enjoyable. Virgin Island Water
Projection Strong and bold without being an elite powerhouse. Much stronger than Virgin Island Water. Moderate all around and not designed to be a huge projector. Creed Aventus
Longevity Usually lasts around 8-9 hours, with 7 hours as a minimum and occasional double-digit wear. Usually lasts around 4-6 hours, which is mediocre for the price. Creed Aventus
Versatility Works year-round outside of high heat. Good for casual wear, dates, work, and nights out. Mostly a casual summer fragrance. Great for hot weather, beachy settings, and tropical-style wear. Creed Aventus
Overall Scent The better full fragrance, with stronger performance, more depth, and a more useful citrus-fruity woody profile. Great opening and fun summer vibe, but becomes more coconut and suntan-lotion-like with limited use. Creed Aventus

Tale of the Tape: Aventus vs. VIW

Virgin Island Water

Notes include: bergamot, lime, rum, sugar cane, coconut, ylang-ylang, and ginger

Click here to try: Creed Virgin Island Water by Creed for Unisex – 4 oz Millesime Spray

Read my Original VIW Review

Creed Aventus

Notes of Creed Aventus: 

Top: Blackcurrant,Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla.

Click here to try Aventus: Aventus For Men 4.0 oz EDP Spray By Creed

Click here to read my original Aventus Review

Opening

Virgin Island Water strikes an early victory in how these two scents open. The initial blast of VIW is a blend of lime, bergamot, and the coconut note. I honestly think that this is a fantastic tropical aroma that really draws you in.

It is juicier and boozier than how it actually ends up. The rum and lime is a great combination that I love and brings on the summer feeling.

Aventus on the other hand, opens with a really harsh aroma, that I’ve always compared to Lemon Pine Sol (yes, the floor cleaner)…thankfully, it gets much better after that. In fact, after the initial bit, the bergamot note shared by the two scents is near identical and really great.

However, just comparing the opening act of each fragrance, I’ve got to go with VIW.

Edge: VIW

Projection

Virgin Island Water isn’t a strong scent, it’s pretty moderate all around. Don’t expect a monster.

It’s really not designed to have an overwhelming sillage, which would kind of be unbearable during the warmest days.

Aventus is strong and rather bold but isn’t insanely overpowering. It is, however, much stronger than Virgin Island Water and gets the edge here. It can be over-sprayed, but not an elite powerhouse, in my opinion.

Edge: Aventus

Longevity

VIW is completely borderline on having poor longevity and just okay. It depends on the day, but I’ve always gotten 4-6 of wear out of it.

Not great and one would expect more at the price point. I don’t mind the sillage being moderate, but I do have a problem with the mediocre performance.

Aventus, will get 7 hours as a minimum and usually in the 8-9 hour range. Solid performer. Occasionally, I can hit double digits with Aventus. That’s usually when in an air conditioned environment all day.

Some people can get Aventus to last longer on their skin than I do. Either way, Aventus outdoes Virgin Island Water pretty easily.

Edge: Aventus

 

Versatility

Aventus is more of a year round kind of scent, though, it isn’t great in the high heat, in my experience. It can be worn casually, on a date, at work, or for a night on the town.

Aventus is a very well-balanced cologne in this regard. It’s a signature fragrance for a lot of guys out there and will give you near endless opportunities to use it.

VIW has it’s versatility in the fact that it is a unisex scent. Aventus is much more of a masculine fragrance in comparison.

However, it’s almost strictly casual and actually shines in the summer heat. Sure, you could include spring, but unless you live in the tropics…it’s stuck in one season for wear.

Edge: Aventus

Overall Scent

I really like the opening of VIW, it’s nice, and reminds me of being at the beach. As it moves along, it becomes much more coconut dominant and takes on the suntan lotion aroma, which is still good but not as much as the opening.

It’s performance is also not amazing and it has a limited use. It’s more of a niche fragrance or one you’d use only at specific times of the year.

Aventus, I’ve never liked the opening BUT it does get much better. It gives good performance and the citrus-laden blend really starts to take off after that.

There’s a reason why it’s so highly regarded. I still enjoy Aventus, even if, I’m rather fatigued of smelling it. There’s just been such an influx of Aventus alternatives, that it becomes exhausting.

Between the two, the choice is Aventus, unless you’re looking for that specific summertime scent.

Winner: Aventus

Who Should Buy Creed Aventus?

Buy Creed Aventus if you want the better all-around fragrance. It is stronger, longer lasting, more masculine, and much more versatile than Virgin Island Water. It works for casual wear, dates, work, nights out, and most seasons outside of extreme heat.

Who Should Buy Creed Virgin Island Water?

Buy Virgin Island Water if you want a tropical summer fragrance. It is best if you like lime, bergamot, rum, coconut, sugar cane, ginger, and a beachy suntan-lotion style. It is more limited than Aventus, but better if you specifically want a casual hot-weather vacation scent.

FAQ: Creed Aventus vs Virgin Island Water

Which is better, Creed Aventus or Virgin Island Water?

Creed Aventus is better overall. Virgin Island Water has the better opening, but Aventus wins projection, longevity, versatility, and overall scent.

Does Creed Aventus last longer than Virgin Island Water?

Yes. Aventus usually lasts around 8-9 hours, while Virgin Island Water usually lasts around 4-6 hours.

Does Aventus project better than Virgin Island Water?

Yes. Aventus is much stronger and bolder. Virgin Island Water has more moderate projection.

What does Creed Aventus smell like?

Creed Aventus smells fruity, citrusy, smoky, woody, musky, and masculine. It features pineapple, blackcurrant, bergamot, apple, birch, oak moss, ambergris, musk, and vanilla.

What does Virgin Island Water smell like?

Virgin Island Water smells tropical, citrusy, boozy, coconut-heavy, and beachy. It has lime, bergamot, rum, sugar cane, coconut, ylang-ylang, and ginger.

Which one is better for summer?

Virgin Island Water is better for summer and high heat. Aventus can work in warm weather, but it is not as ideal in high heat.

Which one is more versatile?

Creed Aventus is much more versatile. It works in more seasons, more settings, and more occasions than Virgin Island Water.

Which one is better for dates?

Aventus is better for dates because it is stronger, more masculine, longer lasting, and more polished. Virgin Island Water is better for casual beachy or vacation-style settings.

Is Virgin Island Water worth the price?

Virgin Island Water smells great, especially in the opening, but the 4-6 hour longevity makes the price harder to justify.

Should I buy Aventus or Virgin Island Water?

Buy Aventus if you want the better fragrance overall. Buy Virgin Island Water if you specifically want a tropical coconut-rum summer scent.

Aventus by Creed

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As I have written before in my post about the best smelling Creed fragrances for men, it is a long and storied luxury fragrance house which dates back to 1760 (or so the legend goes). One of Creed’s most popular, and top smelling fragrances for men. is called Aventus.

It is unique, masculine, and refreshing. Even the bottle it comes in looks cool. It’s almost reminiscent of a pirates flag, aesthetically. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try? (If you’re looking for the newer Aventus Cologne, click for my review of that fragrance).

 

⚗️ Creed Aventus — At a Glance
Fragrance Family
Fruity Chypre
Key Notes
Pineapple, Birch, Oak Moss, Ambergris, Blackcurrant, Vanilla
Season
Spring Fall
Occasion
Office, Date Night, Casual, Evening
Longevity
8–9 hrs (6 hrs in heat)
Sillage
Strong — noticeable without being overpowering
Rating
★★★★★8.6 / 10
Price Range
$$$$ Luxury
Quick Verdict
A complex, smoky-fruity signature scent. Opens sharp, dries down into rich birch and oak moss. Best in cool weather — versatile enough for the office or a night out.

 

What does Creed Aventus Smell Like?

Due to the fact that it had been a while since I’ve smelled Aventus, I decided to pick myself up a sample size in order to do a review on this fragrance. (Here is my latest Creed review: Green Irish Tweed).

Update: I have updated and revamped this review, since I’ve now had even more time to spend with Aventus, over the years.

creed aventus

Notes (Ingredients) of Creed Aventus: 

Top: Blackcurrant, Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla.

Click here to try Aventus: Creed Aventus Creed 4 OZ Millesime Spray For Men

Full Wear Review

The first thing I notice about Aventus when it comes straight out of the bottle is the initial intensity of the pineapple and the woodsy scent that accompanies it.

Fragrances change over time, some more than others, and Aventus is one which you definitely cannot judge right out of the bottle because it is highly layered and complex.

I’ve never really liked the opening few minutes of this Creed fragrance, as it is quite brash, and reminds me of a Pinesol-like cleaner. Yes, that’s always been the exact aroma that I get, BUT, it definitely gets much better than this. Maybe, I’m in the minority in terms of the opening, but I don’t care for that part.

I think what I most dislike about the opening is just how sharp and dry it is to my nose. The main culprits seem to be the pineapple and black currant notes.

There is also a hint of citrus from the bergamot and the watery crisp apple note, but they are background players to the other two fruits.

The black currant and pineapple feel too intense for the first few minutes that I’m wearing Aventus, and then, the birch and a bone dry oak moss are present but yet to fully form.

So, yeah, the opening is much closer to a soapy floor cleaner (but not the entire wear throughout).

The next wave dulls down the strength of the pineapple note and gives it a nice, sweet scent, which is less fruity and more of a woodsy aroma.

The birch and the musk notes really start to emerge and Aventus takes on a new and I would say much better character than it had previously.

The aforementioned oak moss comes to life in whiffs, every so often, and reminds me of something like Drakkar Noir (just that one note in particular).

This section of the fragrance is much like a brisk October day, spent outdoors, walking along a forest of birch trees. Low humidity and cool weather abound.

Aventus is noticeably sharp throughout, but again, softens as it moves through it’s life cycle. I would say that the black currant note is the underrated contributor here, as that is a rather unique fruit smell, and what I believe gives Aventus most of its ‘sharp’ tone.

While I don’t like its pairing with the pineapple in the beginning (which just makes it too overwhelming), I think it contributes quite nicely, when the Creed scent is much more developed.

The woodiness does have a slight smokiness to it, also. Dry birch and the oak moss note, will give it that sort of profile, and keep it from being a less ‘juicy’ fruit kind of scent.

It is noticeably dry smelling but that smokiness really gets going later on in the dry down period. This is the time when Aventus, really starts to get interesting. As the warm and familiar Creed ambergris note comes alive and is joined by the ubiquitous sweetness that is vanilla.

What I’m ultimately left with for the remainder of the day, is a main trio of pineapple, birch, and oak moss. With supporting roles by the ambergris, vanilla, and black currant. Aventus is a juicy, deep, rich, and woodsy scent that has plenty of character.

 

How Long Does it Last? What’s the Sillage Like?

Creed Aventus is a long lasting fragrance but not a complete monster. When I gave it another trial run during the past few days, it stayed with me while I was at work all day and into the evening.

I’d say it’s an 8 or 9 hour type of cologne, most of the time. Though, I have found that on hotter days, it will usually only pull around 6 hours on my skin.

I’ve seen plenty of people claim that they hit double digit hours of longevity with Aventus, but I really don’t think I ever have. Everyone’s body chemistry and skin is different, but I do hit 10+ hours with plenty of other colognes, just not this.

It isn’t overpowering but it also isn’t a fragrance that needs very much to be potent. Don’t go overboard and use a lot, because it really isn’t necessary with this cologne. However, the sillage is very good and you’ll always know that you are wearing it.

Again, the first few minutes are when it’s at its most ‘in your face’, and even then it’s not as powerful as some of the so-called ‘club beasts’. Strong but not crazy so. Other people will most assuredly be able to smell it on you.

When Should Aventus be Worn?

While it is late summer now, I don’t find this to be a great fragrance for summer overall. I like it, it can be fine inside with air conditioning, but when outdoors it loses much of its charm (another Creed option for summer is Imperial Millesime).

I actually like wearing it in the early spring or autumn, I feel like the air temperature and humidity levels are the best for this scent, during those seasons. As I mentioned before, that period during the dry down, the crisp and dry woods, really evokes those thoughts of being outdoors on a Fall day.

In terms of Aventus’ versatility, it can be worn casually or dressed up. It’s a mature scent, but not an out of date one. I’ve worn it at an office before, during the day, on a date, or a night on the town.

I will say, that it’s probably not one for a teenager, to wear to school. I mean, most teens won’t be able to afford this anyhow, but it still has a more masculine aroma.

Does This Creed Get Complements?

It’s very nice and pleasant, but not too much of a ‘sexy’ kind of cologne. I’ve gotten complements from women about it, but it doesn’t completely draw them in, like some others that I’ve worn.

While, I’ve read elsewhere, that Creed Aventus is other folks most complemented cologne. That’s not really the case for me.

Yes, indeed I have gotten plenty over the past five or however many years, that I’ve been wearing this juice. However, I will say frankly, it is not the one I get the most praise for wearing.

Not that it’s a requirement for a great cologne. You should wear a particular fragrance because you enjoy it first and foremost. If it gets other people’s attention, that’s cool.

Honestly, I get more complements from wearing Dior Intense, and even at times from Bvlgari’s Man in Black. The later is more hit or miss, but some women really love that dark/boozy/spice sort of fragrance.

Overall Thoughts and Is it Worth a Purchase?

Overall, would I recommend Creed Aventus? Yes, if you have the money to spend on a bottle, its well worth a try. It seems like the price per bottle has been going up, with the popularity. Is it worth the price of admission?

Personally, I would drop hundreds of dollars, on a variety of fragrances instead of just this one. Although, as a signature scent Aventus, really does deliver the goods, so to speak.

I’ve actually grown somewhat tired of it over the past few years, so I’m not as high on it as I once was. A lot of that may have to do with just how many times it has been copied or very closely mimicked, which is an insane amount.

However, I cannot deny that it is a great scent, and also one that performs up to its reputation.

It’s still one of the best fragrances that Creed has put out and an important landmark within the fragrance industry.

Is it overrated? Perhaps, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good. It’s actually damn good, but like anything else popular, it will have its zealots and detractors. Nowadays, it’s something that I can enjoy wearing every so often, but not really something I’m totally in love with.

How Aventus Compares to Similar Fragrances:

Aventus vs. Sauvage vs. Bleu de Chanel– Battle of two of the most popular scents in the world. I think Aventus wins against the original Sauvage EDT. How does it stack up against BdC?

Creed Aventus vs. Green Irish Tweed– My comparison between the popular Aventus and its well put together Creed counterpart.

Aventus vs. Aventus Cologne– How does the lighter version of Aventus stack up to the original?

Creed Aventus FAQ

Is Creed Aventus worth the price?

I’d say, yes. It’s an absolute classic, but it has been copied by so many others. So, while it no longer feels as ‘unique’ as it once did, Aventus is still very enjoyable. 

Who is Creed Aventus best for?

Pretty much anyone from a newbie to the fragrance space, to a long-term collector. Great balance and easily can become someone’s signature scent.

What are the best alternatives to Creed Aventus?

Personally, I like the Poseidon’s Elixir fragrances from The Dua Brand. They have both their take on different batches of Aventus, as well as blends that they do with their other interpretations of designer scents or added notes. I had one that added an extra berry accord, called, Poseidon’s Berry Affair.

But, here’s an extended list of what I think are the best alternatives to Aventus: Fragrances similar to Creed Aventus

What batch is best for Creed Aventus?

I don’t know. Some people have their favorites, I have no plans on getting that niche with it. Again, the Dua Brand has their interpretations of different batches, so maybe look through those as a source for which one might be right for you.

 

11 Best Smelling Creed Colognes for Men

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Creed is a boutique fragrance designer that caters to the luxury crowd. Since it’s inception in the 18th century, Creed has been a renowned designer for those who seek unique and painstakingly crafted scents.

Much of it’s clientele throughout its history has been European royalty and other families residing on the upper crust of society. At least, that’s the story they tell.

Maybe much of that is marketing or legend, but the brand does provide some amazing colognes. I am going to list 11 Creed fragrances for men, which I feel are the best, after testing them out over the years.

Favorite Creed Fragrances for Him

I have now updated this page for 2024. In this iteration, I have added another cologne to the list, after spending more time with it, and really beginning to appreciate the aroma.

Secondly, I have added more info on each Creed scent, and linked to my personal review of these individual fragrances.

Since I wrote the original version of this page about 6 years ago, I have also reviewed many other fragrances by Creed, which can be found on this page: Best Men’s Cologne Reviews Page  Also, check out: Top Creed Scents for Ladies

Most Popular Creed Scent

Creed Aventus by Creed Eau De Parfum Spray for Men, 2.50-Ounce– I never really liked the opening act of Aventus, as it comes across as too harsh on my skin. The bergamot and citrus, really hits hard, but when it begins to dry down Aventus develops into something great.

The pineapple is sharp, it has a dry woody/smokiness provided by birch, and ambergris/vanilla bringing up the rear in the latter stages.  The pineapple tones down after the opening, and the dry birch and oak moss, really come into their own here.

Creed Aventus is at times sweet with vanilla undertones, then, dry and smoky. This one has a complexity, that you can fully appreciate, the more times that you wear it. All in all, Aventus is one the most balanced and enjoyed scents out on the market.

Maybe it’s over hyped, at this point, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great cologne. It had to become a best-seller for a reason, it wasn’t all ‘just hype’. Here is my review on Aventus

aventus

For Men and Women

Delphinus by Creed– This is a newer release to make the list. It’s better than Absolu Aventus and edges out Centarus for me. Even though, I like both of them.

I have to say, if you want a masculine fragrance, don’t go for this one. It’s powdery, floral, and definitely falls in the unisex category.

That being said, this isn’t a complete iris bomb to me. This heliotrope sticks out more, Delphinus has an initial sweetness/spice, with a warm vanilla and slight amber in the dry down.

Rich orris with a nuttiness from the almond note, gives it similarities to some other scents out there, but Delphinus is a fairly unique one from Creed. Powdery with an underlying waxy sort of aroma for stretches.

I would try to sample this Creed fragrance, if possible. At least before you commit to a full bottle. Note: Alternatively, you could go with Dua’s ‘inspired by’ perfume: Cosmic Sky of Amber.

Best Pure Vanilla Fragrance

Sublime Vanille by Creed– This fragrance is very expensive, even by Creed standards. Also, its performance isn’t the best. However, Sublime Vanille might have the best vanilla note that I’ve ever come across. It’s delicious.

It is a pretty simple fragrance. Vanilla, is joined by lemon and orange, to give it a sweet citrus creamsicle vibe. Very syrupy with a light hint of musk coming through towards the end. Not much development, but the aroma is great.

Sublime Vanille is more of a niche pick from this brand. Though, if you love vanilla, this could be a great pick for men or women.

Top Fresh Fragrance by Creed

Creed Silver Mountain Eau De Parfum Spray for Men by Creed, 4 Ounce– Silver Mountain Water is a fragrance for those guys who want something super clean, with a cold and crisp bite. It opens up with a lush citrus accord of bergamot and mandarin orange. Sort of close to Imperial Millesime, in the beginning.

Later, it can become a bit more herbal, especially when the green tea note emerges fully. SMW is a great choice for the springtime, features the same black currant note found in Aventus, while going in its own direction.

This is a very refreshing wear, in my experience, but with fairly average longevity and moderate sillage. However, its aroma alone, gets Silver Mountain Water a spot on the list. Silver Mountain Water Review

silver mountain

Popular Clean Scent

Green Irish Tweed By Creed For Men- Green Irish Tweed is right up there with Aventus, as one of the most popular colognes by Creed. It starts off with lemon verbena, but dries down as a fresh woody scent.

Though, the wood is present throughout. Sandalwood, is the most noticeable of the woods.

Once past the opening stages, I think that this really comes into its own, and the citrus/wood balance becomes really nice.

GIT often gets compared with Cool Water by Davidoff, but to me, that similar smell is only for part of the wear. Cool Water is much more aquatic, also.  Plus, the Creed does it better.

Green Irish Tweed has a bit of a blend between soapy and powdery, during its dry down. This is probably my favorite part of the wear. The performance is really quite nice.

The sillage is strong enough to be noticeable, but not overwhelming. Plus, it will last long enough for a full work day.  Review of Green Irish Tweed

green irish tweed

The Oud Option

Royal Oud by Creed– Oud, as a note, can be hit or miss for people. This is a nice blended example of the note, where it isn’t too heavy or too dominant in the mix.

Royal Oud actually starts off with a burst of bergamot and lime, which is joined by a light and warm pink pepper note, to keep things interesting. Early on, it is citrusy and has that nice spicy kick too it, but not overwhelming.

As it dries down, it becomes woodier. The oud is the main attraction, but there is also a nice cedar freshness in there. Musk and sandalwood round things out. Though, the latter isn’t too heavy in the mix.

To me, it kind of splits between the oud, musk, and cedar during the late stages. The sillage itself isn’t too heavy, but Royal Oud does have a good performance, while not blowing out the room. 

Very nice classy fragrance, that is more suited for formal or special occasions. I like this one, but for a lot of people, they consider Royal Oud to be Creed’s best.

Great Vetiver Fragrance

Creed Original Vetiver Men Millesime Spray, 4 Ounce – Creed Original Vetiver is a scent I overlooked on the first iteration of this list…my mistake. This is a hyper clean and masculine use of vetiver and citrus with a classic soapy quality.

I always feel energized after applying Original Vetiver, as the fragrance just seems to strike an upbeat and positive chord.

It’s not a complex sort of cologne, rather, it is linear but everything that it needs to be. This vetiver is a modern style with an older soul. Solid choice for business or casual wear. It all comes together as very clean, with good performance that will last a full work day.

The opening citrus is bright and really a highlight of this fragrance. There is some iris and sandalwood, in here as well, but they definitely don’t hit the same heights as the citrus and vetiver. Original Vetiver Review

Top Woody Fragrance

CREED BOIS DU PORTUGAL by Creed EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY 4 OZ – Bois du Portugal gets lost in the shuffle of Creed offerings, I feel. It does air on the side of being mature, somewhat old school, with a spicy masculine finish.

It opens up with bergamot and sandalwood, feels like a usual Creed fragrance, before it shifts into its own thing.

Bois du portugal is woody and warm, I love when the cedar and lavender come in to join the sandalwood. It’s clean while having an outdoorsy quality, to its aroma.

During the middle part of the wear, it can become difficult to distinguish between notes, as it has such a superior blend. Simple yet elegant.

Bois du Portugal goes from a citrus and sandalwood opening, to losing much of the citrus, and becoming a clean somewhat spicy woody fragrance. It definitely gives you something different, from most other popular scents, on the market. Bois du Portugal Full Review

bois du portugal

Best Classic Style Fragrance

Tabarome By Creed For Men. Millesime Spray 4.0 Oz.– Tabarome is another one that sort of sits under the radar. It opens up with ginger, which is one of my favorite light spices. Then, Tabarome further develops with jasmine, musk, and a greenish tobacco plant note.

The tobacco note actually is more like a growing tobacco plant, and less of what you would pack into a pipe before smoking. It’s a green note that is joined by the bergamot citrus, the ambergris, and a bit of sensuous leather.

The leather and tobacco finish is smooth, with a blend of spicy/sweet notes flanking everything. Ginger with tobacco and leather? Absolutely great. 

Ultimately, it’s all of that, some ambergris, on top of a sandalwood base. Read my full Tabarome Review

tabarome

Top Creed Cologne for Summer

Millesime Imperial By Creed For Men. Millesime Spray 4.0-Ounce Bottle– One of the more popular fragrances by Creed. Millesime Imperial is a blend of sea salt and melon-smelling (actually citrus) notes.

It’s an aquatic cologne that shines to life in the spring and summer months of the year.

It is juicy and luxurious. The melon aroma is produced by a lemon and mandarin orange combination and how they interact with the other notes within the composition.

It is very light and clean but grounded by the hint of musk and salty sea notes it unveils. If you enjoy a more oceanic type of fragrance, Imperial may be a great choice for your collection. This is one that I really like to wear on certain warmer days.

Imperial is a fruity marine fragrance, with a light musk, and some powdery undertones from an iris not. It’s not a sillage beast, but it will last for 7 or so hours, in the heat. That’s pretty impressive, when so many others, simply wilt.  My Review

imperial

Favorite Viking

Creed Viking Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.3 Ounce– Viking is the newest addition to this list. Why? I’ve always enjoyed the smell. However, it has grown on me more and more, since the first time that I tried it out in the Creed Boutique in Las Vegas.

It opens up, super crisp, with peppermint and sandalwood providing a cold woody infusion. There’s a very light bergamot note, briefly.

Creed Viking balances the warm and cold notes, as it introduces pink pepper, and then also vetiver. It’s woodsy and refreshing, with some earthiness and spice added in.

Lots of sandalwood, pink pepper, and peppermint. Blended well and the other notes, can be difficult to distinguish at times.

The longevity is good, I keep getting closer to 8 hours of wear from it. Again, this one is a cologne that I enjoyed, but didn’t love at first. It’s still not my favorite, but it has become much more favorable in my eyes, since I first tested it. Creed Viking Review

Creed Viking vs. Viking Cologne

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Viking became a fairly popular release from Creed some years back. With its success, the brand naturally launched a flanker fragrance to this formula, called, Viking Cologne. Now, consumers have two options to choose from when they want to own a Viking scent. The question is, which fragrance is better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Viking vs Viking Cologne

Creed Viking

Notes include: rose, pink pepper, bergamot, peppermint, sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli

Click here to try: Viking Eau de Parfum Spray for Men by Creed

Read my original Viking Review

Viking Cologne

Notes include: mandarin, lemon, bergamot, pink pepper, lavender, geranium, rosemary, sage, nutmeg, vetiver, sandalwood, patchouli, olibanum

Click here to try: Viking Cologne

Opening

Viking starts off with a bit of citrus up top. But, the peppermint, pink pepper, and sandalwood notes are all stronger. The citrus is just a bright blip in the mix.

It’s a mix of cool freshness and that warm peppery spice with woods. I love the crisp aroma of the peppermint, even as this settles into a fragrance with more balance.

Viking Cologne starts off with a strong pink pepper note, that is flanked by citrus notes. I mainly get lemon, but it’s being overshadowed by spice and some smokiness.

So, it’s mainly a fresh/smoky accord of the pink pepper, sage, and some of that incense wafting up from the base. After like 5 minutes, more of the citrus seems to finally break through on my skin. It’s like a lemon/orange blend.

This will transition into something with more of the sage, rosemary, lavender, and geranium. The citrus and pink pepper fade a good deal.

Which do I prefer? It’s actually a very close call for me. Cologne has plenty going on and I dig the blend and the emergence of the citrus.

But, between them, I’ll go with the original. The peppermint note really makes it for me. Plus, there is still overlap between these two, and I like the presentation of these notes by Viking more than Cologne.

Edge: Viking

Projection

I’ve always found the original Viking to have a very nice and steady ability to project. It was never a heavy fragrance that would bog down on you, but it’s got a nice reach and doesn’t just quite.

Early, Viking Cologne is similar. However, that will only last 30-60 minutes, before it begins its quick descent into skin scent territory.

Nice start, light moderate for an hour or so longer, and skin scent for the back half. Overall, it’s a lighter fragrance, as the cologne moniker would suggest. You should just be aware of that, before committing to a full bottle purchase.

Edge: Viking

Longevity

With the original Viking, I get somewhere in the 7-9 hour neighborhood each time that I wear it. The performance is actually good, not elite, but it gives you plenty.

With Viking Cologne, it’s around 4-5 hours. To be clear, hours 3-5 are basically a skin scent. It’s a pretty faint smell by that point, but still there.

This is an easy win for the original. A ‘cologne’ version of an above average performer, probably wasn’t ever going to be great, but Viking Cologne doesn’t even seem to reach mid-tier longevity.

Edge: Viking

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are daily wear types of fragrances, that are clean, but not super formal. You can wear them casually, to work, etc. Neither is all that ‘sexy’ or a club beast.

But, outside of that they are very versatile. I like Viking better in cooler to moderate temperatures. Viking is lighter, so maybe it has a slight advantage in the heat. Even still, it’s not that much of a summertime cologne.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these fragrances do I like more?

In terms of the scents themselves, it’s a lot closer call than the categories might indicate.

Viking Cologne has a nice aroma. I like the smokiness, the freshness, and the citrus notes in the beginning. Also, that transition to the latter stages is also pleasing, especially wearing it outside on a mild day.

The performance of the cologne, is pretty bad. The longevity isn’t great and what power it has, doesn’t even make it far into that short run time.

Viking, I think, smells better. Beyond, just being a much better performer.

I like the balance of the notes. You get a floral middle, spiciness, freshness, and then woods in the dry down. There’s some smokiness and even a touch of sweetness, at times. All together, I am more impressed with the original versus what you get with Viking Cologne.

Cologne doesn’t live up to the lofty price tag, even if, it isn’t a bad smelling scent.

Winner: Viking